Toilet Paper, coins, computer chips, homes for sale … The pandemic has led to short supplies of many consumer products, driving up prices. With a lack of available homes, people looking to cash in on low interest rates and buy homes better suited to post-pandemic living have all turned to new construction. In order to build new homes, contractors...
Best Ways to Prevent Home Water Damage
Water damage is one of the leading causes of homeowners’ losses in the U.S. The annual cost of water damage and removal is $13 billion, and the average home insurance claim for water damage is just over $10,000. There are many simple things your clients can do to prevent home water damage, bringing down the number of claims and overall...
The Post-COVID Coverages Your Financially Stable Clients Need
In the wake of the pandemic, people are making life changes, especially those who have the financial ability to do so, trying to best adjust to their “new normal.” With these major changes comes new risks and liabilities requiring different kinds of coverage. Here are some of the biggest changes your most financially stable clients are making and...
5 Ways Insurance Should Adapt to Severe Weather Trends
2020 was an expensive year in natural disasters, contributing to a hard property insurance market. Unfortunately, expensive natural disasters are “trending” and expected to continue this year. Less than normal winter rain and snowfall in regions of California lead experts to believe the state is in for a “worse than average” wildfire season,...
Get to Know E.J. Bradley
E.J. is a talented, rising employee who joined Quaker Special Risk at the ground level over seven years ago. He’s now an Assistant VP handling commercial lines and environmental coverage. What brought you to Quaker Special Risk? I knew Jim Andreoli, one of the vice presidents here. When I graduated from college in 2013, he talked me into joining...
Top 5 Solar Industry Trends for 2021
While some industries are struggling in 2021 in the wake of the pandemic, renewable energy is expected to generate more revenue this year. Many new construction projects designed to help businesses move toward carbon neutrality were halted in 2020, and they’re expected to resume in 2021. In addition, the new Biden administration plans to bring...
How to Protect Your Jewelry Collection
The earrings given to her during a memorable Christmas, the ring her grandmother gave her, or the watch he only wears on special occasions--besides being of high monetary value, jewelry pieces may have much sentimental value to your clients as well. They can insure jewelry for its value in case it’s ever stolen or damaged. However, what can they...
Best Ways to Protect a Wine Collection
Nothing sets the mood for a gathering of family and friends quite like the perfect wine. Are your clients taking the necessary steps to keep their wine collection safe for years to come? Wine enthusiasts invest a great deal of time and money into their collections, so it’s an asset that should be insured, much like any other valuable collection....
Winterization: There’s Snow Place Like Home
Temperatures are dropping, leaves are changing, and you’ll be spending a lot more time indoors. Before curling up with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa, it’s important to make sure your home is prepared. Winterize your home now to save on energy costs and protect against cold weather-related damage. Give your clients peace of mind this season...
Unseen Dangers: Chimney Inspections
As cool weather returns, homeowners are using their fireplaces once again. Chimney maintenance is critical for protecting homes and those living in them. If a homeowner neglects regular maintenance, they increase their risk for expensive repairs and create a safety hazard. The importance of chimney maintenance: 1- Prevent carbon monoxide...
Protecting Your Clients During Hurricane Season
The Atlantic hurricane season, running from June-November, has already caused almost $15 billion in damages this year. A typical year would expect to see around a dozen named storms, six hurricanes, three qualifying as major hurricanes (category 3 and above). The 2020 season looks more extreme. Experts predict greater than 24 named storms,...
What You Didn’t Know About Hail Damage and Insurance
Hail damage is a significant risk to homes, autos, and other property owned by your clients. Like other forms of weather damage, it is typically covered in some way by a homeowner's insurance policy. The application of coverage varies depending on the state and nature of the policy. Agents should carefully check the policies of their clients to...
6 Marketplace Trends Impacting the Surplus Lines Homeowners Market
2020 is changing the landscape of the insurance world, and the effects of this shift are most obvious in the hardening market conditions for surplus lines property & casualty, as well as personal lines coverage. The cause of this shift is complex, and while a small part has been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, there's more to the story...
The Case of the Diamond Necklace: Homeowners Insurance vs Valuable Articles Policy
Picture this: Your client is getting ready for a big night out, and has the perfect diamond necklace to go with their outfit. But when they look for it, it's nowhere to be found! This valuable jewelry is gone without a trace. It's a bad situation, and it's all too common. Who do they call next? You, their insurance agent assuming their...
Insurance Coverage and E-scooter Rentals
Rentable electric scooters are a fledgling transportation service. Their ease of access and utility have allowed companies in the space to quickly expand across the US. As e-scooters become an increasingly popular mobility option, questions regarding insurance coverage are rising. E-scooters are not technically considered automobiles, which means...
Property Rates are Increasing. What’s Driving This Trend?
Policy holders may notice rate spikes in their property insurance and wonder why their premiums are rising. Some premium increases are caused by things out of your control, like inflation, but other factors concern you specifically – including your claims history and credit score. Some reasons for a property rate hike include: Mathematics –...
Safeguard Your Home Before Winter Weather Hits
The leaves are falling, there’s a chill in the air, and winter is right around the corner. Homeowners should take precautions now to protect against winter weather-related damage. There are inherent dangers associated with winter weather; including frozen pipes, ice dams, fires from heat sources, wind damage, flooding, and other devastating (and...
Don’t Get Hacked: Get Covered
You've been hacked! These are three words that we dread in our society of technology dependency. In 2018, billions of people were affected by data breaches and cyberattacks. USA Reports that 765 million people were hacked in the months of April, May and June alone – with losses surpassing tens of millions of dollars. Security experts project...
Tips to Properly Protect Your Home This Hurricane Season
All eyes are on the weather as we approach the peak of hurricane season. While hurricane season lasts from June 1-November 30, the most significant risk is around September 11th. Early forecasts predict nine to fifteen named storms to hit our coasts during the 2019 season. Significant risks to homes include flooding, wind damage, tornadoes,...
Does My Car Insurance Cover Uber/Lyft Exposure?
It’s summertime and you want to earn extra money for your upcoming family vacation or pay down some bills. After researching several options, you decide that driving for Uber or Lyft works best. You have the flexibility to schedule pick-ups when it’s convenient for you, the pay is decent, and you already have a smartphone and a car. You sign up...